I’ve sent out all of my greeting cards, so it’s time to unveil my project. I’m so nervous. I hope you like it.
Every year an idea comes to mind which becomes a sketch and then transforms into some kind of 3-D popup creation. I know what you’re thinking. Most people don’t even take the time to buy and send ready-made greeting cards. I keep telling myself, “This year I will simplify.” HA! I don’t know the meaning of the word, “simplify.” Two things about me never change: I was born sunny-side up and I love challenges. “Bring it on” should be my middle name, but it’s not. It’s Mary which is pretty dull in comparison. Don’t tell mom. Her first name is Mary.
The front is very similar to last year’s. Take your complaints to Yelp.
So here it is. Drum roll please…………….
Ta da!
Here are the innards skinnards. Now you can imagine how weird they would have looked with duplicated drawings. That was a close one!
I like to call my illustrations, family updates. Okay. So I’m bragging a little.
Four people almost received cards with Danny and I on both sides. Dang HCDS! Hallmark-Channel-Distraction-Syndrome.
All done! Whew. No, really. Next year I’ll simplify. Oh sure! Those fraternal twins who live inside my head are at it again…
The winners of the cards!
They are all legit. I was going to send out four, but I picked Austin and The Guat at the same time. BONUS!
Check out their blogs-
Austin Hodgens from The Return of the Modern Philosopher
Thanks to all who entered. You really made my week.
Merry, Merry!
There are more holiday shenanigans to come. Watch your inbox!
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
I won! I won! The Modern Philosopher thanks you!
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Woohoo! I almost quit at three and then I picked you and Guat! I’m sending yours out today.
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Thank you.
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A masterpiece as usual my friend. Merry Christmas!
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Thanks LInda! Merry Christmas to you. I figure for all the work I put into them, I may as well blog it!
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I’m 100% impressed, Susie. The cards are lovely AND I love the snowfall on your website. You’re one creative, crazy girl! Much love.
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Hey Marcy! I was just thinking about you yesterday. Thank you so much. I’m so glad we met last spring. Merry Christmas!
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I’m glad we met, too. Susie. Keep going with your wonderful blog + good luck with your novels.
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Thanks Marcy and I wish you all the best in 2015 too!
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You’re so very talented. Those cards are great!
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Thanks so much FOW! The best part is when they’re all done and sent out. Merry Christmas or as you say, Witmas!!!
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Wow – those are some seriously impressive Christmas cards! Nice job!
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Thanks Brittany! After last year’s spinning insanity, (my family spun around 2013’s grave) this was a piece of cake!
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Great cards. Nah, don’t simplify. Merry Christmas.
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Thanks John!
It isn’t in my nature to take the easy road… Merry Merry!
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A very cool project Susie! No, I don’t think simplify is in your DNA. Merry Christmas!
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Right? I don’t think it’s in my DNA either.
Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
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Those are fantastic. And such a wonderful way to do the family update.
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Thanks Timothy! It has evolved from our family skiing every year. I’m always glad when the last one is in the mail! Whew!
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Gorgeous edition this year! (and cheers to the winners)
Now you can bask in the applause, the twinkling light reflections, and the fireplace knowing those presents are arriving to delight….HCDS will be less of a danger…but wrapping those gifts? Careful with those scissors! (whew. No chance of any Super Glue incidents…..but paper cuts!) Jingle on! (presents wrapped here…but needing bows and embellishment with lace, sequins, vintage images from old Christmas cards/collected stickers – that’s sort of epic with me like the cards are with you….will have to start on that shortly.. eventually. Hey working with deadlines is fun!)
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I love your idea about the vintage images! I have a boatload of old Christmas cards in the basement. Another project in my future.
Thanks so much Phil! It is a relief, but there is a list to get through in the coming days.
Merry Christmas!
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They look awesome, Susie. So excited I won! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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Thanks Cathy! I’m glad you won too. Merry Christmas!
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They turned out great. Very impressive!
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Thanks Carrie! Last year my cards popped and turned. It was a nightmare! These were less frustrating to make.
Merry! Merry!
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Very creative Susie!
Diana xo
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Thanks Diana! Great to “see” you!
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Yeah I’m trying to make my rounds…so busy with 2 jobs right now!
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I bet you’re slammed this time of year. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Great job, once again. You’re inspiring me to hand-make cards, each a labor of love, for everyone on my list! Next year.
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Thanks Peg!
You should! I can only make 80 if they are mass produced, but you go girl and hand make each one of them. Danny had an great aunt who did a card-sized painting every year. She must have made 100 of them!
Merry Christmas!
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Awesome, and I’m so glad I won! There are a few cards here and there that I keep forever, and this will be one of them – thanks!
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Awww! Thank you!
I’m glad you won too. It’s in the mail. Congratulations!
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My favorite holiday tradition is our Christmas Eve gift. It started when my mom was a child, and I have continued it with my own girl. For Christmas Eve, you get to open one gift. That one present always contains brand new pajamas and a new book for bedtime. Makes having to wait all night for Santa a little easier.
My other favorite is a new tradition. I don’t remember how we found out, but somewhere during Andrea’s childhood we found out Rudolph loves Cheez-its. So we leave out some Cheez-its every year so Rudolph can get his fix.
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I love your Christmas Eve gift idea and it makes sense!
Poor Rudolf never got Cheez-its at our house. I’ll have to pick up a box!
Merry Christmas!
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Your cards and your talent are amazing, Susie! Wonderful!!!
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Awww! Thanks so much Anneli! Have a fabulous holiday with your friends and family!
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They look great!! 🙂
Something I started doing with my kids is making funny gift tags. I like to put an outrageous celebrity or someone my kids (and hub, I do this for him too!) are really into as the FROM on the gift tag. One year my son was into all things Scandinavian, so he got a gift from the King of Norway. 🙂
Happy holidays!
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That is such a great idea! I have always used sticky tags, but between you and Philosophermouseofthehedge, I’ll have to get crafting!
Thanks so much Coleen and Merry Christmas! 🙂
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They’re gorgeous! 😀
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Thanks you Widdershins! *blushes* For how much work I put into them, I figure I should blog about them so everyone knows how I’m spending my time.:)
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Wow, you are so creative! I have that book too, Writing the Breakout Novel. May need to break that out! 😉
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Thanks Nia! Great to “see” you!
It’s an amazing book. I sent Donald Maass a card too! 🙂
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Beautiful as always! I must say catching the image of your son with the screaming crowd is amazing…love it.
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It’s one of his favorite shots too! Thanks so much Lisa! I am starting to breathe again, but still have a list of things to do. It doesn’t end until Christmas Eve, right?
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I have made hundreds of hand-made cards, some quite elaborate and intricate. Each time one or a set is completed it’s like finishing a masterpiece. I know how you feel designing, creating, assembling and sending these. Beautiful, talented work, Susie. They are keepsakes. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you so much. 🙂
Wow! You make each one individually? You ROCK Chaz! I love your ampersand art. Merry Christmas to you!
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Those rock! Congrats to all who won! Mr. Gibber and I like to watch “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” one the 24th every year. 🙂
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That is a hilarious tradition! You know your Christmas will never be that bad. 🙂
Thanks so much Gibber.
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Exactly! 😉
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Holy Crap! They look AWESOME! Cant believe it! WoooooHooooo! Dude thanks soooooo much I’m feeling lucky. And by the way I LOVE that you said you were born sunny side up! Hadn’t heard that expression before but it totally describes you perfectly! Have a good weekend!
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Thanks Guat! I’m glad you won too! You are one of my oldest friends on WordPress!
My sunny side up personality used to irritate the crap out of my college roommates. I was an early riser back in the day and had tons of energy. Danny wakes up earlier than me and was born the same way!
Merry Christmas! You’re card will be sent out today. 🙂
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Love the card, Susie. I’m sorry I missed the contest. Your talents seem endless.
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I’m sorry too. I’ll have another contest next year! Thanks so much! Happy Holidays to you!
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So creative, Susie! My hat is off to you. It’s wonderful to receive something personal in the mail — not an advertisement or catalog. I bet those on your Christmas list look forward to your card every year. Merry Christmas!
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Thanks Jackie! I can’t even consider buying cards at this point. It is a huge part of my Christmas tradition. Merry Christmas to you!
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